August 25, 2003 -- Ever since Ansel Adams set up his tripod in Yosemite National Park, the venue has been a dreamscape for photographers anxious to match, or (improbably) to better, his magnificent efforts on film. Most travel industry gurus pay little attention to photography, considering it the bonus of people who would be on the road in any case. But the Yosemite View Lodge and Snapfish, an online photo service, have come up with an offer that makes life easy for true believers in the magic of film. They have a package deal running from September 13 to November 15, with a rate of $199 to $259, that's a significant savings from the $294 or $354 usually charged.
In this Fall Photography Package, you get two nights' accommodations at the Lodge in a river-view room for up to four guests, and a photo kit which includes a book, The Yosemite Photographer's Guide, a list of times and locations of free photo walks in the park, and a roll of film, plus a coupon for free processing and online photo sharing at Snapfish.com.
Your riverview room at the Lodge includes a kitchenette, double spa tub, balcony, fireplace and a choice of a king bed or two queen beds. The photo kit includes a roll of Kodak Gold 100 film, film developing on Kodak paper and scanning of photos for online sharing, all from Snapfish. (There's $1.99 per roll fee for return shipping and handling of prints and negatives.) Yosemite Motels, the manager of the Lodge, is the largest provider of accommodations outside the park, with more than 800 rooms and suites, by the way.
For reservations or more information, phone the lodge at 888/742-4371 and ask for the "Photography Package" or visit www.yosemitemotels.com.